A Friend not forgotten...  A Special Tribute to Shirley Abrams C.S.A.

by Linda E. Seto  Founder/President of Young Actors Studio & Performing Arts Center  It is with great sorrow, to have lost a dedicated and well-respected Industry professional  (Casting Director) and wonderful person, Shirley Abrams.  I first met Shirley over 20 years ago.    I was dropping off a packet of talent (kids) headshots/resumes at her house located in Garland.    She was personable and we chatted briefly about some of her family photos.  Interestingly, her  daughter’s and my name were the same, Linda.  Over the years, as I expanded our Program, we invited Shirley to be our Industry Special Guest  for our annual February Showcase.  She was so wonderful to the children and teens, thoughtful,  enthusiastic and encouraging.  She readily gave advice and helpful tips to the aspiring young  actors, in their quest to becoming professionals and even tips for the Parents.  Shirley kept our  young actors headshot/resumes in a Talent Book, for casting opportunity purposes.  When I  visited her at her home (then located just a few minutes from our Studio, in Dallas) she took me  to her office and showed me our Book, right alongside the Talent Agency Books!…..I also got  the chance to meet her dogs.  They were like family to her and provided great companionship.  When watching one of our scenes about a child and their very ill puppy, there were tears in her  eyes.  She had great compassion.  It was a great honor to have Shirley take out time from her busy schedule to see and work with  our young actors/actresses.  With her guidance, many young talent were able to develop further  skills and understanding in the Entertainment Industry.  In over 14 years and hundreds of young  talent, Shirley was always in her “element” when she worked with our talent.  I was amazed at  how much she really cared for the talent, the clients and doing an excellent job.  When she became a member of the C.S.A. (Casting Society of America) it was such an honor  and plus for the Texas Film Industry, since very few Casting Directors in Texas obtain this status.   I was proud for her, she had definitely earned it casting numerous Movies, Commercials, TV shows  and industrial Films.  Shirley was one of our first and foremost Casting Directors here in North Texas for 30 years.  Well-respected by her peers, she was a pioneer in the Texas Casting Industry.  As other Casting  Directors came or left, Shirley was the constant professional, believing in the Talent located here  in Texas.  It was through Shirley’s expertise and eye for Talent, which found and Cast the Talent  for the then small pilot and childrens TV series, Barney & Friends.  As Casting Director for the TV series for 10 years, Barney & Friends became a huge success,  with a regular TV series on PBS plus Videos. Shirley found the amazing Actor, who brought the  “magic” and life to the character “Barney”, in a way no one has ever imagined. The Actor, David  Joyner was also teaching at Young Actors Studio and Directing some of the Live Comedy  Productions.  David who as the “body” of the character Barney, could animate the over 50 lbs. costume like  no other.  Dancing, spinning, jumping… Barney was real!  Shirley found several other talent who  were members of YAS and cast them on the TV series as well.  Several of the minority child  actors/actresses cast were from our Studio.  Shirley was known for providing minority talent  opportunities to be cast and worked hard to search for the best Talent wherever she could.    Even local YMCA’s and community groups.  We worked together on developing new minority  actors, since there was a need but unfortunately a shortage of minority talent.  We appreciate all that Shirley has done for our group, in supporting, encouraging and providing  opportunities over the past 20 years.  In Honor, Linda Seto, our Director has named a Special  Scholarship Fund, for minority children in her name. The “Abrams Scholarship Fund” will provide  several minority children opportunities to participate in Young Actors Studio & Performing Arts  Center’s acting/drama classes.  Applications will be taken each August.  We wish to recognize the following "Abrams Scholarship Fund" Contributors:     > Linda Seto     > Bob Preston     > Brad Corn     > Xai Homechan     > David Joyner     > Jennifer Harris     > David Harris     > Montre Bible  If you would like to make a Contribution, please contact Linda Seto @ (972) 401-2090, or e-mail  Brad Corn (bradford@youngactors.org) or click here to make a contribution on-line.  Your name will be listed on the Contributors List.  If you would like to send us "your personal  letter", e-mail Brad Corn (bradford@youngactors.org).  Thank you.

Letters of Appreciation  A Special Tribute to Shirley Abrams C.S.A.

by Xai Homechan  I met Shirley Abrams in 1994 at the Young Actors Studio & Performance Center for a  Talent Showcase event.  Before then, I had never performed in front of a casting director.  I was new to the world of acting, and I remember being terrified of performing.  But, Shirley  made it easy. She was kind, personable, encouraging – she was glowing with warmth.  I’ve  auditioned with many other casting directors since then, and I have never felt that same caring  spirit that Shirley had each time I auditioned for her.  My career as an actor began with Shirley Abrams, who gave me my first acting job.  Years later,  nearly half of my body of work consists of projects that Shirley had worked on. I am significantly  in debt to her.  She helped me believe in something that I had a hard time believing in myself:  Minorities have a place in the Entertainment Industry.  It is a belief that empowers the underdogs  of any industry, society, or culture.  Thank you Shirley for the great things you’ve done.  What a remarkable person.  Your work is truly legendary.

Letters of Appreciation  A Special Tribute to Shirley Abrams C.S.A.

by Montre Bible (Actor)  Shirley was the sweetest soul you could ever meet.  She believed in me and gave me  my first shot in acting, even though it was against the odds.  I will never forget her and  her smile.

Letters of Appreciation  A Special Tribute to Shirley Abrams C.S.A.

by Denise Harris  My daughter and I will be eternally grateful to Shirley for casting her in her first lead role  in a feature film and more importantly, for the hugs and words of encouragement that  she gave to make a little girl feel like a big star.  Shirley Abrams was truly the star in our hearts!